I have to say that was one of the best a-political @bbcquestiontime episodes I have watched for a very longtime. Artificial Intelligence is the future and as a country it can only be positive if we are sure it benefits us all and not just tech oligarchs. Image created by AI!

Happy to take part and be interviewed, via Microsoft teams, by the @CareQualityComm , during their assessment and inspection of @boltoncouncil Adult Services provision. On a daily basis I have the privilege to witness the dedication of the council & partners & the work they do.

Have to say watching MasterChef UK tonight you realise as you get older you know what you like! A few years ago I would have eaten all this posh stuff but not sure I would now! We all like what we like and I now like comfort and small plate food. Where’s my crumpet?! Lol!

Great to be at the launch event for the Bolton Food and Drink Festival with chefs from our twin towns of Le Mans and Paderborn who will be doing chef demos over the weekend. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger

This morning I, along with other members of the council, had the honour of attending Bolton Council’s first commemoration service of the day to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. It was a privilege, in my role as Deputy Armed Forces Champion and veteran, to deliver the Exhortation and recite the Kohima Epitaph in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed in the Far East. Tonight there will be a formal service of rememberance at Bolton Parish Church at 730pm when the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Diane Hawkins, and the Mayor of Bolton, will lay wreaths in rememberance of those that served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger #vjday80

This morning we had the pleasure of visiting Park Cakes here in Bolton, along with the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, @DianeHawkins_LL. We were there to celebrate them being a proud part of our town and community for 35 years. Their incredible bakes are enjoyed nationwide, including through their long standing partnership with M&S. It was great to see not only their commitment to quality, but also the social value initiatives they lead, from creating local jobs and apprenticeships to supporting charities and community projects. Park Cakes is a shining example of how business and community can grow together. Here’s to the next 35 years of success in Bolton! #TeamBolton #togetherstronger

One of the gems in Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor, The Duke Of Wellington Pub! #TeamBolton #togetherstronger #supportyourlocal

Being a councillor isn’t meant to be a platform for stunts and slogans. At this time when our town and country seem to becoming more divided too many seem to be chasing headlines while real issues that face our town are left behind. Our town is full of people who care, we can do better. Now more that ever it’s time to raise the standard, cut through the noise, and start working together for real positive change for our borough. If you care about our town and borough, speak up, show up, and hold your elected representatives, and those wishing to be elected, to account, challenge them and call them out when needs be. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger

This weekend we were invited by the City of Paderborn to their world famous Libori Festival, a unique blend of religious tradition and local culture. Honouring Saint Liborius, the city’s patron saint, this centuries old celebration fills the streets with processions, markets, concerts, and huge community spirit. It’s one of the oldest and most cherished festivals in Germany, attracting both pilgrims and visitors alike. At the heart of the Libori Festival is the Pontifical Mass which we were invited to attend by the towns Bürgermeister Michael Dreier. The Mass features choral music, incense, and the full liturgical tradition of the Catholic Church. It’s a powerful moment that reflects the deep roots of Paderborn’s identity. It was a great honour to have met both the Bishops of Paderborn and Le Mans, Bolton’s twin towns. We then witnessed the signing of Paderborn’s “golden book” by the Mayor of Przemyśl reenforcing their friendship agreement. We also had some time to sample the delights of the festival with some of the other towns that have twinning or friendship agreements, from across the globe, including France, Poland, Turkey and Hungary. A very productive weekend promoting all things Bolton and it is hoped that many of them will be visiting our very own Bolton Food and Drink Festival next month. #TeamBolton #TeamPaderborn #togetherstronger

Waiting for the train in sunny Frankfurt to Paderborn for the final celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of the twinning of our towns. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger

What a brilliant afternoon with the guys from Sapphire Bolton filming their version of “The Assembly”. The Sapphire Partnership is doing incredible work supporting young adults with additional needs in Bolton. Through life skills programmes, community outings, wellbeing sessions, and creative activities, they help build confidence, independence, and connection. Their work is all about inclusion, joy, and empowering people to live life to the fullest, changing lives every day. Pictures paint a thousand words! #TeamBolton #togetherstronger

Kaz and I are really looking forward to taking part in the Bolton version of the programme “The Assembly”, with our incredible friends at Sapphire Bolton. This brilliant initiative gives a platform to young interviewers from Bolton who are autistic, neurodivergent, or have learning disabilities, giving them the space to ask their own honest, insightful, and sometimes challenging questions! It’s all about inclusion, representation, and real dialogue and we are so looking forward to be involved. We can’t wait to hear what they have to ask and to be part of a conversation that puts their voices and their questions front and centre. See you Thursday!! #TeamBolton #togetherstronger

Popped into Bolton’s Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club this morning to see the lads and lasses and to view the Army Air Corps Regimental flag that they have procured which is now proudly being hung during their meetings. Was also great to see another generous business giving back to the community. The Restoration Group made a huge donation of £750 to support the clubs efforts. When local businesses step up, they’re helping to honour those who served or continue to serve and strengthen the bonds in our community which can only be a good thing. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger #afvbc

I’m incredibly proud to share that this morning I was awarded an honorary doctorate by the @Uni_GreaterMcr (formerly the University of Bolton) for services to our town and community. To receive this recognition, surrounded by graduates and their families, was truly humbling. This honour isn’t just about my journey, it’s a celebration of what’s possible when we believe in our communities and commit to public service. From the council estate where I grew up in Leicester, to the Town Hall where I had the privilege to serve as Mayor of Bolton, every step has been rooted in the belief that anyone, regardless of background, can make a difference. Thank you to the University for this recognition. Thank you to my family and friends for your support and thank you to Bolton for allowing me to serve. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger #HonoraryDoctorate

This evening I was invited over to a sunny and very warm Farnworth for the Unity Drama group production of “The Adventures of Oliver Twist”. 2 of the older group members directed and created the production, with the groups younger teens and junior members making up the cast and ensemble. They also all got involved with the technical stuff such as set creation and back stage magic that has to happen to support the production and cast. Getting involved in theatre and the arts gives young people a voice, a community, and a creative outlet in an increasingly fast paced world full of mobile phones and computers. The arts nurture confidence, and collaboration, both skills vital for their future. By getting involved the next generation doesn’t just preserve it, they shape and reimagine it for those that follow them. The whole cast put together a great evening and a special shout out must go to 7 year old Fraser who played Oliver. #TeamBolton #togetherstronger